Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 4.15.2024 Dance Teaching Assistants In 2008, an adorable preschooler named Katelyn walked into her first dance class. It was at a new studio housed at the Friendswood Friends Church gym, with orange carpet, rolling mirrors, and a giant boom box. That was the first year of Chara Christian…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 3.15.2024 The Value of Friendships As a child, my parents often spoke to me about my “rings of influence”. We want our children to be able to hold positive interactions with a wide range of peers in the outermost ring, but have the innermost ring occupied with a…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 1.15.2024 The Impact of Parent Participation Last month our dancers welcomed parents or guardians into their dance classes as a part of our Studio Showcase Week prior to the Christmas holiday. Parents stretched, chasse-d, and pas de bourrée-d their way through class. Some enthusiastically….some mustering up that enthusiasm! …
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 12.15.2023 Opportunities for Inspiration Last month, I took a week away from the studio to participate in a “bucket list” continuing education opportunity: a conference for business leaders at Ramsey Solutions in Nashville, Tennessee. The wow-factor—in both the learning and the environment—was huge! Regular participation in learning…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 11.15.2023 The Value of the Compound Effect In 18 years of owning Chara Christian Dance Academy, I’ve found there is one thing—the “eighth wonder of the world”—that yields results no matter the application: the compound effect. The compound effect is made up of small, consistent steps…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 10.15.2023 The Discipline of Receiving Feedback As a kid, my favorite response was “I know.” “Shanna, it’s your turn to unload the dishwasher.” “I know.” “That transition is on count 5-6.” “I know.” “The way you spoke to your sister just now was not OK.” “I…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 9.15.2023 The Value of Positive Mentors There are many women who have had a tremendous impact on my life—as mentors and role models, teachers and guides. Some of them I’ve known since childhood; others I met as an adult. This summer, I took time to connect with…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 8.15.2023 Tears Are Okay A child’s first dance class comes with a lot of NEW. A new room, new teacher, new wardrobe, and new friends. It is common for children to have a hard time with all of the NEW, especially when it comes at a time…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 5.11.2023 Developing Strong Mental Skills Through Dance and Music Along with May flowers, Mother’s Day, and the excitement of summer around the corner, this month ushers in awareness of an essential topic: mental health. Back in 1949, Mental Health America (then known as the National Association for…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 4.15.2023 The Grandparent Impact Last month my family had the complete joy of celebrating my grandparents’ 70th wedding anniversary—how incredible is that milestone?! I am in awe of them. I always have been. My grandparents have been heroes to me all my life. In addition to my amazing…